Table Of Contents
Top Picks at a Glance: Best Oils for Cleansing
Understanding the Oil Cleansing Method
The Top 10 Best Oils for Oil Cleansing
How to Pick the Right Oil Cleanser for You
Is Oil Cleansing a Good Choice for Acne-Prone or Oily Skin?
Conclusion
FAQS
Our Top Picks
Wondering Which Oil Works Best for Oil Cleansing?
There’s a reason why the oil cleansing method has become a skincare favorite. It lifts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil while keeping your skin balanced and nourished.
However, with so many options available, how do you determine which cleansing oil is best suited for your skin?
In this guide, we’ll highlight the best natural oils for oil cleansing and help you choose the one that fits your skin type. After diving deep into the research, we’ve gathered everything you need to find your perfect match.
Top Picks at a Glance: Best Oils for Cleansing
Searching for the best cleansing oil for your face? We’ve rounded up our top-rated picks based on skin type, their cleansing effectiveness, and budget-friendliness. Keep scrolling for detailed reviews and a step-by-step on how to oil cleanse at home.
Best Overall: Sunflower+Olive Oil
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Moringa Oleifera + Jojoba Oil
Best for Sensitive Skin: Sunflower + Jojoba Oil
Understanding the Oil Cleansing Method
Oil cleansing helps break down and lift away excess sebum (your skin’s natural oil), dirt, heavy makeup, and other pore-clogging impurities.
It’s based on the concept that “like dissolves like”. In other words, using oil to cleanse allows you to gently dissolve buildup on your skin without disrupting its natural moisture barrier.
Oil cleansing has risen in popularity recently, largely because it’s much gentler on the skin than many traditional cleansers that contain harsh surfactants. It’s also highly effective at removing oil-based impurities like sunscreen and makeup, making it an excellent option for thorough yet gentle cleansing.
However, some may feel their skin is a bit too oily or not fully clean after using this method. The simple solution? Try double cleansing, followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to leave your skin feeling refreshed and residue-free.
Single or Double Oil Cleansing: Which One’s Right for You?
Single oil cleansing is a straightforward and gentle process. All it takes is massaging a small amount of oil onto dry skin for 30 seconds to a minute. Then gently wiping it away with a warm, damp cloth. The heat from the cloth helps lift away most of the oil, along with dirt, makeup, and other impurities.
On the other hand, double cleansing involves two steps: first, using an oil-based cleanser (like a cleansing oil or balm), followed by a traditional water-based cleanser. This method is ideal for individuals who wear heavy makeup or have very oily skin, as it provides a deeper and more thorough cleanse.
However, the downside of a two-step routine is similar to that of many water-based cleansers: the risk of over-cleansing. If done too frequently or with harsh products, it can strip the skin of its natural oils, disrupt the skin’s pH balance, and damage the moisture barrier. Once the barrier is compromised, your skin may feel dry, irritated, or take time to heal.
The Top 10 Best Oils for Oil Cleansing
- Sunflower Seed Oil– Sunflower seed oil contains a high concentration of linoleic acid (59%), along with oleic acid (30%) and stearic acid (6%). This combination helps regulate sebum levels while supporting the skin’s natural barrier. While it may lack strong astringent or toning effects, it’s an effective and budget-friendly cleansing oil. Thanks to its mild nature, sunflower oil is especially well-suited for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
- Moringa Oil– Moringa oil is packed with oleic acid (up to 70%), making it a deeply nourishing and effective oil cleanser. Its rich emollient properties allow it to break down makeup, sebum, and daily grime with ease while leaving the skin soft and smooth. Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, Moringa oil is especially helpful for those with acne-prone or dull skin. It’s a luxurious yet versatile option for anyone looking to elevate their oil cleansing routine.
- Olive Oil– Olive oil is a deeply moisturizing option for oil cleansing, packed with around 55–83% oleic acid and smaller amounts of linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. It effectively dissolves makeup, sebum, and impurities while nourishing the skin. Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, it also helps protect against environmental stress. Best suited for dry or mature skin, olive oil may feel too heavy or pore-clogging for oily or acne-prone types due to its rich texture.
- Jojoba Oil– Although commonly referred to as an oil, jojoba is a liquid wax ester, and that’s what makes it so unique. Its structure closely resembles the skin’s sebum, allowing it to blend easily and work in harmony with the skin’s natural processes. This waxy texture is particularly effective at loosening hardened oil, dirt, and makeup lodged in pores. As a result, jojoba oil can help unclog pores and deeply cleanse without stripping moisture. It’s a gentle, reliable, and affordable option for anyone looking to add oil cleansing to their routine.
- Castor Oil– Known for its deep-cleansing power, castor oil owes much of its effectiveness to its high content of ricinoleic acid, a rare fatty acid that makes up 85–95% of the oil. This allows it to penetrate pores deeply and dissolve built-up dirt, oil, and other impurities. Castor oil also has mild astringent qualities, which can help reduce excess oil and lightly tighten the skin.
- Baobab Oil– With a light, nutty fragrance, baobab oil boasts a high concentration of skin-loving fatty acids oleic (30–40%), linoleic (24–34%), and palmitic acid (18–30%). Its silky texture provides a rich, nourishing feel, making it a luxurious addition to any skincare routine.
- Passionfruit Oil– Also called maracuja oil, passionfruit oil is rich in linoleic acid (about 77%), which makes it ideal for cleansing oily and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight texture and naturally pleasant scent make it a personal favorite for many skincare enthusiasts.
- Hibiscus Oil– Though not widely known for cleansing, hibiscus oil is packed with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins that help support and rejuvenate the skin. It may offer mild toning benefits, but it’s not typically classified as an astringent oil. Often chosen for its gentle texture and soft floral scent, hibiscus oil is considered more of a luxurious skincare addition.
- Sweet Almond Oil- Rich in oleic acid (62–86%) and linoleic acid (20–30%), sweet almond oil is gentle and nourishing, ideal for sensitive skin. Though it doesn’t offer strong astringent or toning effects, its soft texture and subtle, pleasant aroma make it a luxurious addition to any cleansing blend.
- Grapeseed Oil– Lightweight and non-comedogenic, grapeseed oil is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. With a linoleic acid content of 70–76%, it helps regulate sebum production without clogging pores. Its natural polyphenols offer gentle astringent and toning effects, making skin feel firmer and more refined.
Why Coconut Oil Might Not Be a Good Choice for Cleansing?
Coconut oil does have its benefits, and if it’s been working well for your skin, there’s no need to stop. Still, it’s not typically a top pick when it comes to oil cleansing.
Rich in lauric acid (around 45–53%), coconut oil offers antibacterial benefits that can help target acne-causing bacteria. However, it also ranks high on the comedogenic scale, which means it has a tendency to clog pores. For some people, especially those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, this can lead to breakouts, making it a less ideal choice for regular cleansing.
How to Pick the Right Oil Cleanser for You
If you’re leaning toward a simple DIY routine, our top 10 list above has plenty of great options. But if you prefer to buy an oil cleanser from a trusted brand, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
Which oils are commonly used?
Look for products that include some of the top 10 oils we mentioned. Be cautious with ingredients like coconut oil, which can be problematic for some skin types.
Are there essential oils or added extracts?
A good cleansing oil should do more than just dissolve makeup; it should care for your skin too. That’s why formulas enriched with ingredients like sunflower oil, moringa oleifera, olive oil, jojoba, and vitamin E stand out. These oils are known for their ability to gently lift away impurities while supporting the skin’s natural barrier.
Botanical extracts like green tea provide antioxidant defense, and willow bark, a natural BHA source, helps decongest pores and reduce breakouts. You may also find fruit enzymes like papain, which offer gentle exfoliation, and essential oils like citrus or thyme that bring mild antimicrobial benefits. When thoughtfully blended, these ingredients work together to leave your skin clean, calm, and nourished, making cleansing feel like skincare, not just a step.
Are the oils natural or synthetic?
When it comes to oil cleansing, plant-based oils are often the better choice. They not only nourish the skin but also provide antioxidant support and are generally well-tolerated by most skin types.
Synthetic ingredients like silicones are rarely used in oil cleansers. While they don’t usually clog pores, they also don’t offer any real skin benefits and may raise environmental concerns due to their long-lasting nature.
Mineral oil, although effective at removing makeup and excess oil, is derived from petroleum and lacks the skin-loving nutrients found in natural oils. With so many nourishing botanical alternatives available, it’s worth choosing a formula that leans toward clean, plant-powered ingredients.
Should your oil cleanser have emulsifiers?
Emulsifiers help blend oil and water, allowing the cleanser to rinse off more easily without leaving a heavy residue. This makes cleansing simpler and more user-friendly, especially for those who prefer not to use pure oils.
If traditional oil cleansing feels too greasy or time-consuming, but your skin doesn’t need a full double cleanse, a gentle self-emulsifying oil cleanser might strike the right balance. It lifts away dirt and makeup effectively, while rinsing off clean, leaving your skin soft, not stripped.
What’s your budget?
A simple search online reveals some cleansing oils priced as high as $110 for just 3 oz. While luxury packaging and branding may be tempting, always take a close look at the ingredient list. High price doesn’t always mean high performance. Sometimes, you’re just paying for the label.
Is Oil Cleansing a Good Choice for Acne-Prone or Oily Skin?
Yes, when done right. Oil cleansing can help balance acne-prone skin by gently dissolving sebum, makeup, and dirt without stripping the skin. This keeps your natural barrier intact and may even reduce excess oil production over time.
The key is choosing the right oils. Look for non-comedogenic options like sunflower seed or moringa oil that won’t clog pores or trigger breakouts. And if your skin leans very oily, pairing your oil cleanser with a water-based second cleanse might give you the best results.
Best Oil Cleansers for Acne-Prone Skin
If you’re prone to breakouts, try oils rich in linoleic acid like sunflower seed oil or moringa oil. These lightweight oils help balance sebum without clogging pores. Avoid heavier, comedogenic oils like coconut. If you use makeup or sunscreen daily, double cleansing is a great habit to adopt.
Is Oil Cleansing Safe for Sensitive Skin?
Oil cleansing offers a gentle and nourishing way to cleanse sensitive skin without disrupting its natural barrier. It effectively removes makeup and dirt while keeping the skin soft and calm. If you’re curating a routine for delicate or reactive skin, oil cleansing is a smart choice.
For best results, skip products with fragrance, essential oils, or harsh additives that might cause irritation.
Conclusion
Oil cleansing is a gentle and effective method to lift away makeup and impurities while keeping your skin’s natural barrier intact. The key is to pick oils that suit your skin type and follow up with the right moisturizing steps.
Since every skin type is unique, you may need to experiment a bit to find what works best for you. Double cleansing can enhance results, but be mindful that using a harsh second cleanser may undo the nourishing benefits of oil cleansing.
FAQS
1. What exactly is oil cleansing, and how does it work?
Oil cleansing is a skincare technique that relies on oils to break down and lift away impurities like excess sebum, sunscreen, makeup, and dirt. It works based on the concept that oil attracts oil, allowing it to cleanse the skin thoroughly without stripping away its natural moisture barrier.
2. Which oil is best for oil cleansing?
The best oil for cleansing depends on your skin’s needs. Sunflower and jojoba oils are great for acne-prone skin since they help balance sebum without clogging pores. Moringa and olive oil work well for dry or mature skin, offering deep nourishment. Vitamin E adds a boost of antioxidant protection, making this blend suitable for most skin types. Avoid highly comedogenic oils like coconut if you’re acne-prone.
3. What is the best cleansing oil for oily or acne-prone skin?
For oily or acne-prone skin, oils rich in linoleic acid are ideal. Options like sunflower or moringa oil help break down excess sebum while keeping pores clear and unclogged.
4. Is Coconut Oil Safe for Facial Cleansing?
Coconut oil may suit some skin types, but its high comedogenic rating means it can clog pores and trigger breakouts. If you have acne-prone or sensitive skin, it’s safer to opt for a non-comedogenic alternative.
5. Can Oil Cleansing Lead to Clogged Pores or Breakouts?
Generally, no. Oil cleansing often helps minimize breakouts by regulating sebum levels. However, using comedogenic oils or not rinsing thoroughly may lead to clogged pores or irritation for some individuals.
Our Top Picks
1. MODEL OFF DUTY BEAUTY
Model Off Duty Beauty Pro-Collagen Building Cleansing Oil ($46) size: 4 oz
The Pro-Collagen Building Cleansing Oil, a skincare essential for rejuvenation. An effective cleansing oil designed to dissolve makeup and break down buildup, leaving the skin soft and supple without causing dryness.
2. TATA HARPER
Tata Harper Nourishing Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser ($78) size: 4.1 oz
A lightweight multi-vitamin cleansing oil that melts makeup and dissolves buildup with natural oils and esters.
3. PAI
Pai Skincare Light Work™ Cleansing Oil ($54) size: 3.3oz
Pai’s Rosehip cleansing oil shifts make-up and SPF at speed, leaving skin soft and clean without any irritation. No rubbing, no stinging, no problem.
4. MARA
MARA Chia + Moringa® Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil ($58) size: 4 oz
A gentle, exfoliating cleansing oil with fruit enzymes, chia, and squalane that effortlessly removes makeup, SPF, and grime, leaving skin hydrated and glowing.
5. BIOELEMENTS
Bioelements Sensitive Skin Cleansing Oil ($56) size: 3.7 oz
A combination of plant oils such as jojoba, olive, and hemp gently lift impurities (without clogging pores!) and go on double duty to hydrate and protect, so that your skin can balance and heal from irritations.
